HTN: Senecas to Open Catskills Casino

Could the Seneca Nation's plans for a Catskills casino further stall the completion of the downtown Buffalo facility? The Senecas are partnering with a Michigan developer to build a resort downstate, but officials say that does not spell trouble for the Buffalo Creek Casino. Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown say the tribe's decision in favor of a Monticello casino doesn't cast a shadow onto the facility in downtown Buffalo. Plans for the permanent site have been put on hold because of economic concerns and a legal battles. The Senecas laid off 210 employees in December because of the weak economy, but the plan to build a new casino with Rotate Black Gaming Inc. in Monticello was announced Saturday. The project could potentially create 160-million dollars in direct payments to the state of New York. The Catskills location also gives the Senecas access to the New York City area and New Jersey.